Lighting can make or break wedding photography, and few moments offer better conditions than golden hour. That short, powerful window of soft, flattering light just before sunset. For outdoor and alfresco weddings, understanding how to work with natural light isn’t just about aesthetics; it’s about timing, positioning, and collaboration between couples and their photographer. For The Alfresco Issue, we turn to experienced wedding photographer Dani Bartlett, who’s spent years perfecting the art of shooting in all kinds of natural light. Dani knows that golden hour may look effortless in photos, but capturing it requires planning and precision. Here, she shares her professional advice on how couples can prepare their timeline, venue choices, and expectations to make the most of this golden moment, ensuring your photos have that naturally radiant, cinematic quality every couple loves.
There’s a reason photographers talk about golden hour like it’s the holy grail of wedding photos. It’s that dreamy time of day, just before the sun dips below the horizon, when the light softens, the colours glow warm, and everything feels a little bit magical. If you’ve ever seen those romantic, cinematic wedding portraits where the couple looks like they’re bathed in pure sunshine – that’s golden hour at work.
But while golden hour looks effortless in photos, there’s actually a bit of planning that goes into making it happen. The sun doesn’t wait, and every venue is different, so it’s worth thinking about a few key things in advance. That way, when the moment arrives, you can step outside together, breathe it all in, and let your photographer work their magic without stress.
- Know the timing
Golden hour doesn’t last long, usually about 30–40 minutes before sunset, depending on the season. Your photographer and videographer will know the exact timing for your date and location, so check in with them when you’re planning your timeline. They’ll tell you the sweet spot when the light is at its very best.
- Decide how long you want to sneak away
Some couples love the idea of soaking in golden hour for a full session, while others just want to duck out for a quick 10–15 minutes to grab a handful of portraits before heading back to the dance floor. Neither is right or wrong, it’s all about what feels like you. Talk it through with your partner so you know what you’d prefer on the day.
- Think about your venue’s landscape
Where your venue sits plays a big role in how long you’ll actually get golden hour light. A wide-open field, beach, or hilltop will give you a longer stretch of glow. If you’re celebrating in a valley, near mountains, or in the city with tall buildings, the sun may dip away earlier than the official sunset time. Your photographer will factor this in and may suggest heading out a little sooner to make the most of it.
- Trust your vendors
Your photographer and videographer have an eye trained for light. If they’ve worked at your venue before, they’ll already know the best spots for golden hour portraits. If not, most will do a scout beforehand to plan it out. Trust them to guide you – they’ll balance getting those gorgeous shots while making sure you don’t miss too much of the party.
- Build it into your timeline
The best golden hour photos happen when there’s a little space in your schedule to enjoy them. Chat with your planner or coordinator about pencilling in a time to step away. Even if you only take 15 minutes, building it into your timeline means it’ll feel relaxed rather than rushed
Why it’s worth it
Golden hour isn’t just about beautiful light (though that’s a big part of it). It’s also about giving you and your partner a small pocket of calm in the middle of a whirlwind day. Stepping out together as the sun sets can feel grounding, romantic, and memorable in its own right. And the photos? They’ll be the ones you look back on and think, wow, that feels like us.
So, when you’re planning your wedding timeline, don’t forget to leave a little space for golden hour magic. Trust me…you won’t regret it.
About Dani Bartlett: I didn’t actually set out to become a photographer; I just knew that I loved the way photos make me feel. I loved the vivid colours, the contrast, the joy, the nostalgia, the honesty of it all. And so, when my husband and I began spending most of our time on the road, I knew that I had to document these moments so that we could relive all of our epic adventures. I didn’t know it at the time, but I also took these photos to share our lives with our kids (proof we had one before they came along!). Slowly but surely, friends and family began asking me to photograph moments for them, as well. The attraction was instant, and it wasn’t long before photography became my full-time thing. I’ve been immortalising life’s biggest moments and greatest adventures for people just like you since 2016, and I’ve never looked back.
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